Ibanez to leave Bordeaux-Bègles

Editor

Bordeaux-Bègles head coach Raphaël Ibanez will leave the club at the end of the season, it was revealed on Monday.

The former France hooker has been in charge of the club since 2012 and has helped the club qualify for the Champions Cup in the last two seasons.

Ibanez however has also come under criticism for his work for French television elsewhere on matchdays when UBB have been in action.

On Saturday when Ibanez was working in Rome covering the Italy-France Six Nations match, UBB defeated Grenoble 46-14.

“Following consultation with the players, staff and president Laurent Marti it seems that changes are underway,” Ibanez told AFP.

“I’m confirming today that I’ll leave Bordeaux-Bègles at the end of the season.”

Ibanez is also stepping down despite there being a year to run on his contract.

“It’s understandable that after five years at the head of the team, I notice there’s a certain disenchantment among the players,” Ibanez added.

“It’s said that ‘love lasts three years’ but with me it’s lasted five years with this team! I’m proud to have contributed to the development of this club.”